Job Description

Salary: $4,653.00 - $6,259.00 Monthly
Location : Clark County - Ridgefield, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-06105
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/29/2025
Closing Date: 9/[click to reveal phone number]8/2025 11 :59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Assistant Wildlife Area Manager

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington - Clark County - Shillapoo Wildlife Area
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Sunset over the Shillapoo Wildlife Area - Photo Credit: Dave Rupp
This position supports the management of the 2,420 acre Shillapoo Wildlife Area, with an emphasis on implementing habitat, fish and wildlife management activities.
In this role, you'll be in the field enhancing goose forage and wetlands through soil management techniques, while also maintaining equipment, facilities, fences, and access roads.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Wildlife Area Manager will,
Monitor, restore, and manage habitat on the Wildlife Areas and perform habitat management work through weed control, forestry, and farming activities:

• Lead, manage, and provide technical input to update and develop projects.
• Stabilize and revegetate disturbed sites.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) on Wildlife Areas.
• Perform habitat maintenance activities.
• Cultivate native vegetation and food plots for benefit of wildlife using predefined methodologies.
• Conduct field reviews of restored sites and recommend future management activities.
• Conduct or oversee wildlife/habitat surveys, data collection, and habitat improvement.
• Assess and evaluate fish and wildlife habitat management programs.
• Perform weed control utilizing mechanical, cultural, or chemical means and maintain records to meet Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) standards.
• Cut trees and brush, and prunes limbs from trees according to project prescription.

Conduct studies, field reviews, and surveys on habitat, wildlife, and recreation activities on the Wildlife Area:

• Review and/or study fish, wildlife, plants, habitats, and recreational use on Wildlife Areas. Implement Wildlife Area plan activities, including habitat and recreation management as well as plan, coordinate, and monitor ecosystem/habitat enhancement projects.
• Monitor gazing and agricultural leases and other land-use permits and keeps appropriate records.
• Survey Wildlife Areas for invasive vegetation, native threatened and endangered (T&E) plants, and general habitat conditions using predefined methodologies to implement appropriate management.
• Survey Wildlife Areas for priority wildlife species.
• Recover injured wildlife and collects and submits specimens.

Conduct outreach and communicate with neighbors, stakeholders, land-use permit holders, and public regarding Wildlife Area activities, permits, and plans:

• Contribute to the development, updating, and implementing of Wildlife Area Plans.
• Provide information to public, either written or via presentation, regarding wildlife species, habitat enhancement and management, and recreational opportunities.
• Coordinate management activities with adjacent land owners.

Maintain facilities, infrastructure, and equipment operation and maintenance and public trust responsibilities:

• Assist in development of capital improvement projects.
• Maintain and repair equipment inventory (vehicles, farm equipment, UTV's, and other tools) used for program activities.
• Construct and/or assists with repair and maintenance of Wildlife Area infrastructure, including buildings, grounds, roads and culverts, diking systems, fences, wildlife water structures, public use facilities, etc.

Principal assistant to Wildlife Area Manager:

• Serve as a secondary contact (primary is the Wildlife Area Manager) for emergencies, issues, and questions and is primary contact when Wildlife Area Manager is on leave.

Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:

• This position involves a combination of office (20%) and fieldwork (80%).
• Office-related hazards include prolonged exposure to fluorescent lighting, repetitive data entry, extended periods of looking at a computer monitor, and sitting or standing for long durations.
• Travel to and from field sites (may include private lands) and work in outdoor conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures and difficult terrain such as deep snow, slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Field surveys are conducted using various modes of transportation, including, helicopters, vehicles, and on foot.
• May be exposed to hazardous wildlife, and firearms.
• Will handle potentially hazardous materials, using needles, cutting instruments, and other sharp tools, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens or injury.
• Frequently lift and load equipment weighing 50lbs. or more.
• Operate and maintain farm tractors and implements and utility terrain vehicles (UTV). Operate 4x4 trucks and towing equipment in offroad settings.

Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. with availability for a non-scheduled work week, travel and long irregular hours. At times work may be off-schedule due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and time critical assignments.
Travel Requirements: Approximately5% - 10% of the time for occasional travel required for training or meetings. Travel in the duty area occasionally requires use of small boats such as canoes or a drift boat, hiking, or flight (as a passenger) in a motor aircraft.
Tools and Equipment: Personal computer hardware and software (Microsoft Office and Outlook), GPS and software, radio telemetry equipment (transmitters and attachment, receivers, antennas, tracking methods), binoculars and spotting scopes, radios, pickup truck, flatbed truck, utility trailer, utility terrain vehicle (UTV), wheeled tractors, implements used with a tractor, boat, boat trailer, sprayers, clinometer, and digital camera, shovels, jacks, bow saws, pruning saws, backpack sprayer, fence post drivers, wire stretchers, carpentry tools, power and hand tools used include chain saws, brush cutters, mowers, electric and gas-powered herbicide sprayers, and standard shop tools such as grinders, drills, table saw, handheld circular saw and reciprocating saws.
Customer Interactions: Regular interactions with WDFW personnel, other local, state, and federal government personnel, consultants, contractors, private non-profit agency representatives, tribal representatives, project applicants. Public interaction includes with recreationists in the field and routine public response via phone and e-mail.
Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, or environmental science.
And
One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research or habitat management or research.

Please Note:

• A Master's or Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for education requirement.

In addition to the requirements above, the incumbent must have experience in/with the following:

• Weed/noxious plant identification and plant management using pesticides.
• Operating motorized and non-motorized equipment and tools.
• Driving a 4-wheel drive pick-up truck, towing a trailer, and operating UTV's.
• Farm equipment, such as tractors, along with a variety of implements.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• First Aid Training (must be obtained within 6 months of hire)
• Pesticide license (must be obtained within 6 months of hire)
• Wild Land Firefighter Red Card is desired (must be obtained within 1 year of hire)
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is beneficial to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.
  • Firearms or air rifle training/certification (May be obtained within 1 year of hire)

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience in/with:

• Fish and wildlife habitat relationships and management requirements
• Wildlife population relationships and ecology
• Training and supervising temporary and volunteer staff
• Biological data collection
• Identifying Eastern Washington native plant species
• Diagnosing and correcting basic issues with equipment performance
• Identifying nongame species, big and small game species, waterfowl, songbirds, birds of prey, and shorebirds in the field
• Working with forest management, as well as habitat enhancement and restoration for big and small game and listed species
• Prescribed fire or fire management of forests or habitats
• Performing basic carpentry
• Implementation of Wildlife Area Plan activities
• Agricultural and grazing practices, such as spraying, soil cultivation, crop types, planting methods, grazing methods and monitoring
• Management of plant communities
• General state procedural policies and rules governing work activities
• Operating backpack and UTV mounted sprayer used in herbicide application
• Operating chainsaws and other equipment used in forest habitat management
• Performing proper care and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized equipment
• Coordinating and organizing activities
• Managing projects and workloads
• Conducting data analyses and making inferences from data for management recommendations

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the "Benefits" tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:

Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW [click to reveal phone number]73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at
• Veterans only - Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: [click to reveal phone number]2024-1234 - Biologist 1 - Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW's efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone [click to reveal phone number]360-902-2278 or email [click to reveal email address] Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at [click to reveal phone number]800-833-6388 .
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #[click to reveal phone number]2025-06105 .

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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC [click to reveal phone number]357-31-165 .

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

04

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05

Please select the option below that best describes your experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research or habitat management or research.

• I do not have this experience
• I have less than 1 year of experience
• I have between 1 - 2 years of experience
• I have between 2 - 3 years of experience
• I have between 3 - 4 years of experience
• I have between 4 - 5 years of experience
• I have 5 years or more of experience

06

Please briefly describe your experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research or habitat management or research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07

Please select the option(s) below if you have experience with the following. Select ALL that apply.

• Weed/noxious plant identification and plant management using pesticides
• Operating motorized and non-motorized equipment and tools
• Driving a 4-wheel drive pick-up truck
• Towing trailers
• Operating utility terrain vehicles (UTV)
• Farm equipment, such as tractors, along with a variety of implements
• None of the above

08

Please briefly describe your experience with agricultural and grazing practices, such as spraying, soil cultivation, crop types, planting methods, grazing methods and monitoring. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09

Please briefly describe your experience with diagnosing and correcting basic issues with equipment performance. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource

11

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, For contractors, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Flexible hours, Shift work, Monday to Friday,

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